This study examined the influence of classroom pedagogic reading practices and out-of-school practices in explaining why the reading attainment of Hong Kong Grade 4 students was superior to that of their counterparts in Taiwan in the 2006 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study. Analyses of scores from 9,301 students (4,712 from Hong Kong…

This paper presents an exploratory study of two consecutive reading sessions conducted in primary school by two different teachers. Our purpose is twofold. From a theoretical viewpoint, we propose a tentative set of conditions of teaching effectiveness by relying on the Joint Action Theory in Didactics. From a methodological viewpoint, drawing on…

Vocabulary knowledge is an important predictor of literacy and broader academic outcomes, and children's literature is a rich source of sophisticated vocabulary. This study investigated the effect of providing instruction in word meanings as an adjunct to story-book read-aloud sessions in Grade One classrooms. The main intervention programme ran…

In this study of 116 high-poverty schools, we explored teaching and coaching in grades K-3. We developed and validated observation protocols for both coaching and teaching. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were computed to identify and confirm factors that explained the protocol data. Three coaching factors were identified in both…

Reading aloud is a common practice in primary classrooms and is viewed as an important vehicle for vocabulary development. Research indicates that interactive read-aloud styles and adult mediation of word learning are effective in enhancing word learning, but less is known about the actual practices of primary teachers. Read-alouds are complex…

In this article, the author reports on findings of second and third graders' science writing about Jupiter in order to describe their expressive fluency with scientific discourse. The students' artifacts were created within a setting of integrated science/literacy instruction in which students participated in hands-on science activities, engaged…

Children's literature often inspires the author's lessons, and reading to her primary students motivates their participation. In this article, the author presents and describes her lesson which is based on the book "Falling for Rapunzel" by Leah Wilcox. Students created a fairy tale tower in this lesson, which took place over three class periods.…

Describes the inspiration, planning, and implementation of the Poetry Project, a nine-week unit designed to immerse first and second grade children in the reading and writing of poetry. Notes that the project helped the students bring together oral and written language. (RS)

Describes some of the discussions and writing that first grade children engaged in as the result of their exposure to literature read aloud. (HTH)

Discusses the advantages of one-on-one, side-by-side reading, which make it an essential complement to group story-reading. Outlines how teachers can implement one-on-one reading in their classrooms. (MM)

Describes a way to involve mixed-level, third-grade readers more effectively in literature or author studies without limiting their choice of texts. Offers several book options that met literature teaching goals. Describes how the "Tag Reading" techniques work and recommends Tag Reading as an ideal technique for stress-free reading from Grade 3 on…

Describes several activities to maintain first graders' enthusiasm for reading, such as paired reading with third grade and kindergarten students, and other reading aloud activities outside the reading group. (MM)

Indicates that story time experiences are a positive factor in successful beginning reading. (FL)

Argues that it is possible for stories to both entertain the reader and teach reading techniques. Suggests that the apprentice approach to reading instruction, using good stories and with judicious intervention by teachers, can be rigorous. (MG)

Reading aloud to kindergarten children makes good educational sense. For this group, teachers should emphasize the aspects of reading aloud that promote a love of story listening as a bridge to future reading. To read aloud well, teachers should: (1) use stories with strong plots, vivid characters, and interesting settings; (2) select a book they…